Traffic on the Pune-Mumbai Yashvantrao Chavan Expressway has been at a standstill for the past 15-16 hours. A tanker overturned near Adoshi Tunnel, creating a chaotic scene as propylene gas continues to leak. For safety reasons, the lane heading towards Mumbai has been completely closed. Long queues of vehicles have formed, with thousands of commuters stuck. Some have been stranded since 4 AM, while others since 3 AM or 5 AM, causing many to miss their flights.
With no arrangements for water, food, or toilets, travelers are experiencing significant discomfort. They demand immediate, decisive action from authorities to reopen the highway promptly. Around 5 PM on February 3rd, a chemical-laden tanker overturned on the lane towards Mumbai, near the Adoshi Tunnel in Khandala Ghat.
Source: aajtak
The gas leak has created a hazardous environment in the area. Post-incident, all related departments are working at maximum capacity. Traffic from Mumbai has been halted for safety reasons, impacting travel in both Pune-Mumbai and Mumbai-Pune directions.
Queues extending over 15 kilometers have formed, creating a dire traffic jam. According to administration officials, these conditions are expected to persist until around 2 PM today. Drivers have been advised to take alternate routes.
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Highway Police spokesperson Tanaji Chikhale stated that the leak from the gas tanker necessitated the full closure of the Mumbai lane as a safety measure. Teams including NDRF, BPCL, and others are tirelessly working on-site to manage the situation. Until the gas leak is completely stopped, traffic disruptions may continue. Drivers are urged to use alternative routes.
Another commuter expressed frustration, stating, "I traveled from Beed, heading to Mumbai, and have been stuck in traffic for 15 hours. Does the administration not have a solid plan? Critical journeys like those of patients rely on this highway, yet no proper facilities are in place. There's no tea or water, with young children accompanying us, exacerbating our difficulties. I urge the administration for immediate, robust action to reopen the highway swiftly."
Source: aajtak
Another traveler heading to Mumbai said that no alternative arrangements were provided by the administration. After the traffic congestion, alternatives via the old highway should have been offered, but nothing was done. Patients are trapped in this jam as well. The government charges tolls for fast and smooth travel. Emergency measures should be active. Regular traffic jams occur on the Pune-Mumbai highway. We began our journey by paying the toll and are now stuck in this jam. Will we be refunded our toll? That's the big question.
A traveler from Latur, heading to Mumbai with a friend, mentioned that their car includes a cancer patient who was supposed to reach Tata Hospital in Mumbai by 8 AM. They left Latur at 10 PM but have been stuck since 4 AM, making timely arrival impossible. The situation is severe and distressing for us. After the incident, the administration and related departments initiated relieve and safety measures. Police, rescue teams, and firefighters are present at the site.
